GENERAL APPEARANCE

The gait of the Afghan Hound should be smooth and springy with a style of high order. The whole appearance of the dog should give the impression of strength and dignity combining speed and power. The head must be held proudly.

CHARACTERISTICS & TEMPERAMENT

The Afghan Hound should be dignified and aloof with a certain keen fierceness. The eastern or oriental expression is typical of the breed. The Afghan looks at and through one.

SKULL & EYES & EARS

Skull long, not too narrow with prominent occiput. Foreface long with punishing jaws and slight stop. The skull well balanced and surmounted by a long "top knot". Nose preferably black, but liver is no fault in light coloured dogs. Eyes should be dark for preference, but golden colour is not debarred. Nearly triangular, slanting slightly upwards from the inner corner to the outer. Ears set low and well back, carried close to the head. Covered with long silky hair.

NECK

Neck long, strong with proud carriage of the head.

FOREQUARTERS & BODY

Shoulders long and sloping, well set back, well muscled and strong without being loaded. Forelegs straight and well boned, straight with shoulder, elbows held in. Back level, moderate length, well muscled, the back falling slightly away to the stern. Loin straight, broad and rather short. Hip-bones rather prominent and wide apart. A fair spring of ribs and good depth of chest.

HINDQUARTERS

Hindquarters powerful, well bent and well turned stifles. Great length between hip and hock with a comparatively short distance between hock and foot.

TAIL

Not too short. Set on low with ring at the end. Raised when in action. Sparsely feathered.

GAIT / MOVEMENT

The gait of the Afghan Hound should be smooth and springy with a style of high order. The head must be held proudly. The tail is raised when in action.

COAT

Long and very fine texture on ribs, fore and hind quarters and flanks. From the shoulder backwards and along the saddle, the hair should be short and close in mature dogs. Hair long from the forehead backward, with a distinct silky "top knot". On the foreface the hair is short, as on the back. Ears and legs well coated. Pasterns can be bare. Coat must be allowed to develop naturally. All colours are acceptable.